Xiang Zhen was following a direction arrow that supposedly indicated the way to the parking area, but became stuck as she tried to drive her car down a number of stairs.

She eventually called a breakdown company, who helped winch her vehicle back up.

Xiang recalled: "I saw a sign overhead saying 'car park', so I drove under it, but the road instantly plummeted and became so bumpy."

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The scene happened in Liuzhou, a city in southern China. A local trader in the mall who has a stand under the stairs said: "I heard a loud noise, and when I looked up, a car was driving down towards me.

"I ran for my life down the stairs with several other shoppers."

The Liuzhou mall has taken responsibility for the incorrect sign and said that it will compensate Xiang.